This museum is a celebration of
Tombstone’s past and the people who made its history. Historians and
collectors all over the country have been anxiously awaiting this museum
to open. After many years the dream has finally materialized. The 3,000
square foot building houses a collection that is second-to-none of
Tombstone, Western, Lawman and Outlaw memorabilia, most of which has
never been on public display before. As one historian commented, no one
thing, since the shootout at the OK Corral , has done more to preserve
the history of Tombstone than this museum.

A special feature of the museum is a
large collection of personal items that belonged to Wyatt and Virgil
Earp as well as numerous unpublished photos of the Earps.

In the world of Tombstone
historians, John Gilchriese has long been acknowledged as The Expert. He
started visiting and interviewing former residents of Tombstone in the
1930's and it is only through his avid pursuit of history that we have
most of the documents and photos that exist today. One of the most
outstanding friendships Mr. Gilchriese enjoyed was that of John Flood,
who died in the 1950's. Flood was Wyatt Earp’s secretary, confidante and
best friend for many, many years. He inherited all of the Earp’s
belongings and in turn, passed them on to John Gilchriese who opened his
Wyatt Earp Museum in Tombstone in 1966. After several successful years
he closed the museum. We feel like we’ve picked up the torch from him in
preserving Tombstone’s history. Many of the photos and documents that
are on display have been purchased from Mr. Gilchriese over the years.

A noted historian once said,
"Most museums feature only 1 great, important item. Yours has so
many important, historical artifacts that it is almost
overwhelming!" It does take some people several trips to fully
absorb the contents of this museum - and there is constantly more
things being added! The cases and displays are filled with enough
artifacts that even tourists that are not fascinated with history,
can enjoy their time in the museum.